Iraqi bombings target Shia community

A second string of bombing attacks this week in Iraq highlights a growing sectarian divide in the country between Shia and Sunni.

Another day of violence has swept across Iraq, when a wave of bomb-attacks killed at least 37 people, wounding 151 on Thursday.

A roadside bombing in the central city of Hilla, south of Baghdad, killed 30 and injured 80. A second bomb exploded as rescuers arrived at the scene.

It is thought that all the victims were Shia, making this the second bombing this week to target the sect. As yet, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In Karbala, a shrine city where many people gathered for the recent Shia festival of Ashura, a car bomb was detonated, killing five and injuring 13.

Bombs also exploded in Fallujah and Mosul where it is believed the police and security services were the target.

Sunni militants in Iraq often attack Shias, but violence is down markedly compared to 2006 and 2007.

Violent attacks remain common though and fears are high that the recent surge in violence could see the country slide back to the days after the fall of Saddam Hussein, when targeted bombings and shootings were common.